It was our last race and it was a close finish. We were eager to know the results. As soon as the results were posted I scrolled down to check the board to see where we placed. With enthusiasm & excitement my emotions were high, I jumped for joy, embraced my fellow paddlers, quietly informing them "we've done it again", we won bronze "HAWAII HERE WE COME!"

With the generosity from one club 'Kwillana Vaa Outrigging', who opened their hearts, their time and extended an invitation across Perth & Geographe Bay to join forces as a state, to train and represent W.A at the National Sprint Championships held in Queensland last year and to qualify for a seed to represent Australia in the IVF World Sprint Championships in Hilo Hawaii, August 2024. As stated in the beginning of my story "HAWAII HERE WE COME!"

I have been paddling for 4 years. I have competed at State and National levels. I have also competed in International races and represented W.A in the Australian Master Games. I have accumulated many medals over the years, gained lots of knowledge, paddled with exceptional people and appreciated the qualities the paddling community has given me on land and on the ocean.

There are many hats which represent who I am as a person. The most outstanding hat I wear today is the 'PROUD' hat. Proud for working towards a goal I set four years ago. Proud to be representing myself, my family and my community. Proud to have worked for Mincor and now 'Wyloo Kambalda' where the camaraderie of work colleagues have supported me with encouragement and a work-life harmony culture which gave me the time to compete and train over the years so to represent Australia at the IVF World Sprint Championships this year.

I am very grateful to be given the opportunity to paddle with an amazing group of women and, to be able to represent my club, Western Australia and Australia at the World Sprint Championships hosted by Hawaii in August.

With this in hand there are costs that have and still need to be covered.

To date I have taken care of the following:

• My intent to compete at Worlds.
• The team training/nutritional programs.
• Travelling to and from training and gym sessions five days a week when I am on R&R.
• and return flights from Perth to Hawaii and accommodation in Sydney for on the way home.

Other costs that still need to be finalised are the 13 days accommodation needed during the event, transport to and from the event, my Australian Team shirt and nutrition.

Those that know me well know that I am usually the one that asks others if they need help in anyway, today I am reaching out to see if you would be willing to assist me with the remaining costs. It doesn't matter how much or how little you may want to donate, it will all go a long way and it will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for reading my story & your generosity.

Tairia x